Elaine's Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – A Hearty One-Pot Comfort Food
Elaine's Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a simple one-pot casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender chopped cabbage, rice, onions, garlic, and a rich tomato sauce. Inspired by traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this easy recipe delivers the same comforting flavors in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or freezer-friendly dinners, it's a hearty and nutritious meal that's easy to customize with different proteins, grains, or vegetables. With minimal cleanup and satisfying flavor, this casserole is classic comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sour cream
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the diced onion until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Mix in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Green cabbage provides the best texture.
- Lean ground beef reduces excess grease.
- Brown rice may be used but requires additional cooking time.
- Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers develop even richer flavor overnight.
- Freeze portions for convenient future meals.
- Add extra broth if the rice absorbs too much liquid.